Planning Portal, the UK’s leading planning and building website, and formally part of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), has recently transferred out of Government into a joint venture (PortalPlanQuest) between DCLG and private company, TerraQuest Solutions Ltd.
As part of the move out of government, and in conjunction with Knight Frank’s UK commercial real estate agents, new office accommodation has been leased in the Spectrum building, not far from its current Bristol base.
The Spectrum building, a landmark at the heart of Bristol city, provides excellent accessibility to the M32 and is directly opposite the vibrant Cabot Circus, Bristol’s premier lifestyle district. The company has taken a 10 year lease on a 3,428 sq ft office suite on the top floor of the building.
The building has recently been purchased by Maddox Property Partners, who are in the process of undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of the reception, garden and ground floor office space.
Knight Frank advised PPQ in its search and acquisition. Andy Smith, associate at Knight Frank, commented: “PPQ was looking for accommodation in one of the most active and competitive size bandings in the market. Working in this tight market, the specification and location of Spectrum meant it was always one of the leading contenders. However it was the new landlord’s planned improvements for the building which helped make it more attractive than the competition.”
Chris Jones of PPQ commented: “As with any new venture it was great to have a number of good options to consider and we were delighted with the package that the landlord at Spectrum offered.
“We are thrilled to have found the new office space that will allow us to take the Planning Portal to the next level and continue to develop our national online planning and building services. From the new central location we will be in a prime position to build the business further and ensure it continues to play a vital role in the planning system for years to come.”
Steve Lane of JLL who acted for the landlord in the transaction said: “We were really happy to be able to secure a tenant with the quality of PPQ so soon after Maddox bought the premises. With a further 15,000 sq ft of space under offer and the forthcoming café and business lounge on the ground floor there is a real buzz about Spectrum at the moment.”
